Bronze DofE

Over last weekend we were supervising groups from Millburn on their Bronze DofE. Pleasant routes taking in Loch Morie and Loch Glass and the campsite was lovely.
Today we are working with Fortrose Academy at Glenmore Lodge doing a variety of activities as well as setting a big group off on the Spey for a 2 day trip wiht help from Full On, Kushi, Mark and Stuart.

Climbing in the rain

We met our group at Kingussie yesterday, Terry came too with Annie. the weather was not too bad to start with but the drizzle did turn to persistent rain eventually. At least they know it is possible to climb in the rain!! It was a great day and a lot of fun was had.

More Archery & Canoeing

Today we met up with Emma, Eddy, Paul, Sarah, Gordon and Laura for some Archery and Canoeing. We could have arched all day, they got so into it and the canoeing was brilliant! We had a raft of 2 canoes plus 2 for tandem and it was great. We kept swapping around, chill time in the raft, learning skills when tandem. Good weather too. Off to the Kingussie crags with them tomorrow!

Busy weekend

On Saturday we were with a group a Glenmore Lodge, they had taken over the place and we were providing their activities. What fun we all had! Charlie was Rafted Canoeing on Loch Morlich, Ian was having 'Fun Sessions' and Archery, I was Arching and Indoor climbing. The exhuberance of the people was wonderful even though it was pouring outside. Most of them had never met before but here they were giving their all and helping each other to get the most out of everything they tried. There was some beauty therapy going on too for those who wanted a quiet life! We all felt privileged to be with such lovely folk and hope we will see them again in the not too distant future.

On Sunday we were with a group of teenagers practising navigation around the Coire na Ciste area. They are in the process of planning a Gold DofE practise Exped. Most were interested in learning and worked hard.

RAF group

Yesterday Ian was working with a great bunch of guys from RAF Kinloss doing Archery followed by Canoeing on Loch Morlich. The weather held and it seems like they all had a good time.

Aonach Eagach

Yesterday we had a lovely day traversing the Aonach Eagach, first time for a few years actually and we had forgotten what a superb day it is. the weather was kind too and the views spectacular. We only saw one other person too! Must not leave it so long next time!

Findochty Youth Club

Yesterday we had a day of fun with 24 children from Findochty aged between 5 and 12. We spent the morning on Team Challenges which caused much hilarity and frustration and the afternoon climbing and arching. They were a quiet bunch who tried really hard and who were excellent at helping each other and working well together. Hope to see them next year!
Today we met Marlene and John for a session of Indoor climbing with the focus being on belaying and knot tying. They did brilliantly and we are looking forward to another session before getting together on the real stuff!

Checking DofE route

Yesterday we went to walk the Bronze DofE route that we are supervising in a couple of weeks. It is a pleasant wander to Wyvis Lodge from Glen glass and over to Loch Morie finishing at Balavoulen. Our journey of 38kms included an extra 14km to link the start with the finish. Good excercise!

Schools out!

Yesterday was an In-service day for Kingussie so Ian took some 'Active Kids' out for Archery and Den-Building. The Market Stance at Kingussie is ideal for Archery and the woods around Creag Beag are brilliant for Den Building so much fun was had!

Ben Nevis and a little paddle

On Saturday we guided groups on Ben Nevis for Maximum Adventure, then on Sunday we joined Martin to paddle the stretch of River from the Pattack Falls carpark to Loch Laggan. It was really pleasant although a little more water would have been helpful. Continued down the Loch to Ardverikie for a while.

Ellon Academy

Yesterday, Charlie, Ian and myself had a really good day with pupils from Ellon Academy. They were an excellent group of young folk who paid attention and were great at helping each other. I drew the short straw and spent all day on the Indoor Wall but I did have fun with my groups. Ian was running Archery and Charlie did Rafted Canoeing which would have been hard with the wind, but the youngsters were up for the challenge! We are very much hoping to see them again next year, staff very welcome too!

More Canoe

Catch up day today! On Monday, Ian took a lovely group down the Spey from Kingussie to Loch Insh. They saw lots of birdlife and were privileged to watch an Osprey at close quarters diving for fish - never succeeding apparently! Pleasant weather too!